Caring Ministries

At SPC, we try to provide our members with resources that meet their needs and enhance our ministry of care. Sometimes that need is some dedicated attention from a pastor, deacon, or Stephen Minister. Other times, they just need a little reminder that God’s love is there to envelope them in a loving embrace.

Pastoral Care

Our pastors are always on hand to meet with those who may be going through a difficult time. Revs. Joyce Shin and Sarah Cooper Searight provide a warm hand to hold and caring presence to pray with for members who are hospitalized or home bound, or experiencing grief. They can provide short-term pastoral counseling and offer referrals for longer term help. Please call or e-mail Revs. Joyce Shin and Sarah Cooper Searight directly to set up an appointment.

Deacons

Deacons of a church are traditionally charged with “deeds of love and mercy.” That is an apt description of the 21 members of SPC’s Board of Deacons. Members who are called to serve here minister in the name of the congregation to individuals who are sick, bereaved, shut in or who are returning from a hospital stay or in need of special short-term help. On Sunday mornings, they escort those who ride the bus from local retirement communities and deliver flowers, copies of sermons, and worship recordings. On Communion Sundays, they “extend the table,” serving communion to those unable to be here in person. When needed, they offer or arrange rides to medical appointments and provide meals. They deliver Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias, and send birthday cards. Being a deacon means being of service to others. No job for the deacons is ever the same as the last; their goal is to meet the needs of those they serve.

Deacons are available to visit those who are isolated from the life of the community. Each deacon is in touch with his or her visitees every 3 weeks or so. If you or a family member would appreciate such visits, please contact Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight at 610-543-4712 ext. 117 or sarah.cooper.searight@swarthmorepres.org.

Stephen Ministers

Since 1995, Stephen Ministers at SPC have extended the pastoral care of our congregation to our own members, as well as into the community. They show Christ’s love by being there to listen on a weekly basis for about an hour, supporting those who find themselves going through a time of difficulty. Confidentiality is assured. Stephen Ministers at SPC receive 4 hours per month of supervision and regular continuing education.

What is Stephen Ministry?
Our congregation‘s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Our Stephen Ministers have a gift for caregiving, and receive 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care. They are a Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages, and is someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver.

Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough Times
We all experience challenges in life—times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty. Examples include the loss of a loved one, hospitalization, divorce or separation, illness, loneliness or discouragement, unemployment or job loss. Please know that Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.

Stephen Ministry Literature
The Stephen Ministry program provides the following helpful resources.

  • In the Fellowship Hall lobby there is a rack of Care Notes brochures on many topics of spiritual concern, from grieving a death or divorce to providing support for aging parents. There are also Care Notes written for children and youth.
  • The Stephen Ministry library (located in the Study) has many books, DVDs, and other resources for lending to those going through difficult or dark times or for those sharing that journey with someone they love.
  • For those who have lost a close family member, our Stephen Ministers send a series of four grief booklets during the first year.

If you—or someone you know—could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister or if you feel a calling to join this ministry, please contact Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight at 610-543-4712 ext. 117 or sarah.cooper.searight@swarthmorepres.org.

Shawl Ministry

SPC’s Shawl Ministry started in April 2003 when an article appeared in The Inquirer about a group of knitters who had been inspired to knit shawls for those in need. We now have knitters and crocheters who contribute regularly to this ministry, with close to 1,000 shawls being giving to individuals in need of something warm and soft to remind them they are held in prayer.

New volunteers are always welcome! For the most part, volunteers work on their own time, but we will happily find a mentor/partner for anyone who wishes to work in community. Patterns are available at the Shawl Ministry website (www.shawlministry.com) and hard copies can be found on the bulletin board outside the church office. Finished work can be brought to the church office at any time and our pastors, in collaboration with deacons and input from members who pass on concerns, will ensure that the shawls get to those who will benefit from their warmth. If you know of someone who would benefit from a shawl, please take one from the bin in the sacristy. Labels and notes of caring are available in the drawer above.

Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You

Week-at-a-Glance

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March 21, 2024
  • March 21, 20249:30 am - 11:00 am

    HOE Volunteers (Memorial Garden)

    The "Holy Order of Environmentalists" (HOE) welcomes all who have a heart for tending to our green spaces.  This morning's gathering will be the first in a weekly series of cleaning up the memorial garden after a long winter's nap.

  • March 21, 202410:15 am - 11:15 am

    Bell Choir rehearsal (Loeffler Chapel)

    Weekly rehearsals to prepare music for sharing in worship once a month.
    Interested?  Contact Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • March 21, 20247:15 pm - 9:00 pm

    Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Fellowship Hall)

    Weekly rehearsal to prepare for music for offering in worship Sunday mornings.  New singers always welcome! 
    Led by Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • March 21, 20248:00 pm - 9:30 pm

    AA (McCahan Hall)

    Swarthmore Presbyterian Church welcomes AA participants to weekly meetings in McCahan Hall. Entrance is via a door on the west end of the parking lot (across from the ABC House) under a covered walkway there.
    For those who are fully vaccinated against COVID, masks are optional. For those not yet fully vaccinated, or working with children, masks are required. Seating/distancing is at the comfort level of the individuals attending.

March 23, 2024
  • March 23, 20248:30 am - 12:00 pm

    Campus Cleanup! (check-in in Fellowship Hall)

    The days are getting warmer, signs of God’s re-creation are poking up in our beloved green spaces, and the afternoon sun shines brightly on many cloudy windows and dusty surfaces.  We are eager to look our best for Easter, so the Property Committee has scheduled a spring cleanup this morning. All are welcome! 
    This is a fun way to work alongside other churchgoers with a similar goal. Check-in will be in Fellowship Hall, where you may also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some breakfast snacks. 
    Interested in helping? Click here to let us know. Walk-ins will be welcome of course!

March 24, 2024
  • March 24, 20248:00 am - 9:00 am

    Early Worship (Loeffler Chapel)

    This 45-minute service allows worshippers to engage with scripture through guided discussion in lieu of a sermon. Communion is served on the 1st Sunday of each month.

  • March 24, 20249:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship

  • March 24, 202410:00 am - 11:00 am

    Parade of Palms (Sanctuary)

    Palm Sunday Procession!
    We begin Holy Week just like Jesus did – with a parade.  Our children will gather at 10:00 a.m. in the large transept (Sanctuary), and from there, will head outside to the covered sidewalk to lead the procession into the Sanctuary.  Walkers of all ages are invited to join them.  Together we will wave palms and be part of the procession with our choir and pastors, coming into God’s presence with singing.

  • March 24, 202410:15 am - 11:15 am

    Lord's Day Worship (Sanctuary and Livestream)

    SPC's Lord’s Day services embody a classic reformed worship tradition. The Word is proclaimed through liturgy, song, and preaching. Scriptures are generally read by lay liturgists. Music leadership is anchored by our choir. Our pastors share leadership and preaching responsibilities from week to week. Communion is offered on the 1st Sunday of each month.

    Services are livestreamed via YouTube beginning at 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning.

  • March 24, 202411:15 am - 12:00 pm

    Sunday Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Our Parish Life team provides beverages and snacks every Sunday following the 10:15 worship service and invites everyone to enjoy one another's company in Fellowship Hall. Please make a point of saying hello to someone you don't yet know!

  • March 24, 20244:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    Middle School Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)

    Middle Schoolers gather Sunday afternoons for play, fellowship, service, and learning. All are welcome.  We conclude with dinner, shared with high schoolers.  Suggested donation $5.00.
    Weekly notes about plans for the upcoming Sunday are shared by text from Rev. David Norse Thomas. The registration form is available here: Youth Registration 2023-24

  • March 24, 20245:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    High School Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)

    High Schoolers gather Sunday afternoons for play, fellowship, service, and learning. All are welcome.  We begin with dinner, shared with middle schoolers, at 5:30.  Weekly notes about plans for the upcoming Sunday are shared by text from Rev. David Norse Thomas. The registration form is available here: Youth Registration 2023-24

  • March 24, 2024

    Palm Sunday

March 25, 2024
  • March 25, 20247:00 pm - 7:45 pm

    Holy Week Taize Service (Loeffler Chapel)

    Services held in the Taizé style, with a mix of music, silence, Scripture, and prayer, will be offered each weekday evening of Holy Week leading up to Maundy Thursday. This evening's service will include a liturgy of healing, with an opportunity to receive oil for anointing as we hear of Jesus' own anointing by Mary.